Vincy constable nabbed at Barbados Airport with cocaine

A Vincentian rural constable has found herself on the wrong side of the law in Barbados.{{more}}

A Bridgetown magistrate, on Thursday, October 13, fined Alison Susan Louis, 44, BD$175,000 (EC$236,250) in relation to four drug-related crimes.

Inspector David Welch, public relations officer of the Royal Barbados Police Force, said in a statement that Louis was charged with possession of cocaine, trafficking in cocaine, possession with intent to supply cocaine, and importation of cocaine.

On arrival by air on Wednesday, October 12 from St. Vincent, Louis was interviewed by Drugs Squad personnel and was referred to Customs. A search discovered two packages containing cocaine in her underwear. The total weight was 1 lb, the statement said.

Louis appeared at the District B Magistrate Court on Thursday and pleaded guilty to the offences.

In relation to the possession of cocaine charge, Louis was convicted, reprimanded and discharged. However, she was fined BDS$75,000 (EC$101,250) or three years in prison for trafficking in cocaine, BDS$50,000 (EC$67,000) or three years in prison for possession with intent to supply cocaine, and BDS$50,000 or three years in prison for importation of cocaine.

The sentences will run concurrently. Up to yesterday, Monday, the fines had not been paid.

The first batch of 20 rural constables under the Agricultural Produce and Livestock (Prevention of Theft) Act in 2007 was commissioned on June 28, 2010. It was anticipated that with the reintroduction of rural constables, the incidence of praedial theft would be reduced.